# execution

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌɛk.sɪˈkjuː.ʃən/ · frequency rank #4,374

## Definitions
1. The act, manner or style of executing (actions, maneuvers, performances).
2. The state of being accomplished.
3. The act of putting to death or being put to death as a penalty, or actions so associated.
4. The carrying into effect of a court judgment, or of a will.
5. Specifically, the seizure of a debtor's goods or property in default of payment.
6. The formal process by which a contract is made valid and put into binding effect.
7. The carrying out of an instruction, program or program segment by a computer.

## Etymology
From Old French execution (c.1360), from Latin exsecutiō, an agent noun from exsequor (“to follow out”), from ex (“out”) + sequor (“follow”). Equivalent to execute + -ion.

## Easily confused with
- **executor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/execution-vs-executor)
- **exertion** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/execution-vs-exertion)
- **executive** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/execution-vs-executive)
- **exemption** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/execution-vs-exemption)
- **executioner** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/execution-vs-executioner)
- **election** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/election-vs-execution)
- **erection** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/erection-vs-execution)
- **ejection** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ejection-vs-execution)

## Common misspellings (13)
`eexcution`, `exceution`, `execcution`, `exectuion`, `execuiton`, `execusion`, `executino`, `executionn`, `executoin`, `executtion`, `exeuction`, `exxecution`, `xeecution`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/execution